February 4, 2012

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Locally owned and operated Violet Crown Cinema is one of our favorite new additions to the already lively 2^nd Street. Successfully redefining “dinner and a movie”—when so many others fall short—this theater is part chic downtown bar and part cinematic brilliance. Rather than sit through 15 minutes of previews, Violet Crown’s full cocktail bar and café—complete with cake balls, draft beer and a happy hour—might replace your usual Friday night spot.

Everything about this theater is genius.  Not only do they only play the films worth seeing—no Justin Bieber movies here—but you can reserve a seat ahead of time via the theater’s online ticketing system.  Theater chairs are more plush than usual, and every front row seat comes equipped with its own ottoman!  Did we mention they’ll even validate parking for the attached parking garage?  Happy hour specials run 4-7pm Monday through Friday; pick your movies accordingly.

February 3, 2012

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After having (too much) fun Saturday night, you’re probably craving a pick-me-up come Sunday morning.  While you might feel like sleeping for 14 hours straight, trust us when we tell you a good meal and 8 hours will more than suffice.  We recommend brunch at Swig over on North Henderson.  From 11am to 3pm, Swig serves up tantalizing dishes like Chai Spiced Porridge, Chocolate Dipped Pecan Bacon and you can even build your own frittata—don’t worry, pick-me-up cocktails, coffee and tea populate the menu as well.  After this breakfast of champions, you should be more than ready to face the day, but we’d understand if you hit the sack due to a food coma.

February 1, 2012

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Diamond Backs has arguably the best happy hour in Waco.  Normally we’d tuck this restaurant away for the next parent’s weekend—thanks for the steak, Dad—but happy hour prices make this our new favorite Thursday night spot.  Recently ranked as one of the top ten restaurants in Waco, Diamond Backs is the perennial steak house favorite around town.  Think tender filet mignon stuffed with lobster and crab served with family style Mac and cheese.  Happy Hour starts at 4:00pm Monday through Friday in the bar area only, where you’ll happily dole out cash for $4 appetizers like authentic beef and aged cheddar sliders and spinach and cheese dip.  You can also sip on $4 martinis and discounted specialty drinks, a steal when you take into account the sheer skills of the bartenders here—they certainly known their cocktails.  Lucky for us, Ladies Night is every Thursday where you can enjoy Happy Hour prices and a live band from 4:00pm until close.

January 31, 2012

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From trendy iPhone covers to every home accessory imaginable, WRARE is West 7^th’s best-kept secret with vintage finds for your humble abode. Not only are the items unique, WRARE offers greeting cards, typography items with an industrial twist, Barr-Co. candles and much more. We adore their animal and stock show accessories—perfect for a true Fort Worthian.

January 30, 2012

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So your favorite study spot in the library has been sacrificed for fraternity study hours, and the bookstore is notoriously overcrowded—limited seating plus Starbucks is just plain torture. We’ve found your solution in The Cup, our new espresso bar obsession on beloved Camp Bowie.  You can recharge with a wonderful selection of lattes and espressos, but they also offer breakfast, lunch and a delicious assortment of goodies—watch out, the chocolate croissants are deadly.  As soon as spring makes its final debut, you can relocate your laptop to the patio for a change of scenery.  Follow The Cup on Facebook for happy hour alerts and special rainy day deals!

January 29, 2012

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Even though College Station is known for being a real Texas City with cowboy boots and Wranglers as one of the most sought after fashion trends, it still knows its vintage.  If you haven’t already, head over to University Drive and check out College Station Best Store Northgate Vintage. The combination of styles from decades past, mixed with quirky antiques and a tiny winding staircase leading up to the vintage jackpot gives this spot some major character points.  Vintage tees and cowboy boots sound like a match made in heaven to us.

January 28, 2012

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Remember the food pyramid you learned in your third grade science class? That tragic moment when your teacher broke the news to you that sadly, sweets were not the staple of a healthy diet? Well we’re not here to tell you that ice cream really isn’t considered breakfast, but we think all young women should know that there is indeed such a thing as a well-balanced wardrobe. Before we begin, take this as a warning; shopping is both for fun and practicality. Don’t let the “science of your closet” throw you off, but rather get excited for a little education on how to master your wardrobe.

First, take a look at this fabulous checklist from the ladies over at Matchbook Magazine. Whether an internship, gala, date, or concert is on your agenda, you’re sure to be covered with these timeless pieces. Don’t be caught off guard without anything to wear! Having a well-rounded closet makes getting dressed easy.

Okay, so you’re basically an expert already, but what do you do about hitting the stores on a budget? We totally understand—think food pyramid—no need for truffle oil when olive oil will get the job done. Stock up on the basics. Find styles that are comfortable and flattering alone or that can be layered for all types of events. Splurge on timeless statement pieces. We’d rather waste calories on a delicious meal, rather than splurging on a Hostess Twinkie in a moment of weakness. Don’t drop your cash on a trendy item that will be “so last season” in a few months. Instead, invest in something that will last for years like a designer handbag, a well-made pea-coat, or riding boots.

Almost done. Now that you know what you need and how much to spend on it, let’s discuss how to wear it! We’re obsessed with a little book called, What to Wear, Where, by Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power. This “how-to handbook” of style goes through every event from outdoor concerts (ACL!) to conservative teas detailing the do’s-and-don’ts of each occasion.

Take these three simple steps towards balancing your personal wardrobe and you’ll step out in style at every occasion! We guarantee that over time you’ll have the props and know-how of a true fashionista. If only cutting out the carbs was this easy…

January 27, 2012

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Ladies and gents, say hello to your new addiction. Campus Candy Yogurt Bar & Snackateria has officially opened its doors on The Drag. This is not just another one of those yogurt bars where your only topping options are blueberries and cereal—we all know that a serious sweet tooth requires some serious candy to truly satisfy.  Although the usual mix-ins are still options at Campus Candy, you’ll also benefit from over 500 different varieties of candy lining the store walls.  We’re having Willy Wonka flashbacks too. Snackateria means you can also order up cupcakes, cake balls and slices of cheesecake in addition to your M&M/Reeses/Snickers topped ice cream, all while lounging in café-style seating and waiting out your food coma in front of plasma TV’s—we could not pick a more perfect combination.

If your sweet tooth isn’t feeling it today, be sure to stop by on February 13 to help raise money towards a new home for the Tuleen Orphans in Tanzania.  University of Texas student Mandy Stein is spearheading the fundraising campaign, and 20% of all proceeds from Campus Candy on that day will go toward the cause. Candy for a good cause? Done.

January 26, 2012

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Rainy days are perfect for staying inside and snuggling up with a good book and a cup of tea. Reality check: you’ll eventually have to go outside to face the weather for class, rain or shine. Rather than channel your inner Olympic hurdler—we all have one—and attempt to jump over every puddle in sight like some twisted game of hopscotch, invest in a good pair of rain boots.  So next time you short jump a puddle, you won’t care about having water spots up to your knees. Rain, Rain, Come Our Way!

From Left to Right

1. J. Crew’s Sperry Shearwater Rain Boots

2. Tom Joules’s Critter Wellies

3. Burberry’s Leather Top Rain Boot

4. Madewell’s Seavees Off Shore Rain Boots

5. Tom Joules’s Striped Wellies (perfect for SMU red/white/blue attire!)

6. Aigle’s Bison Boots

7. Cougar Sienna’s Quilted Storm Boots

8. Tom Joules’s Evedon Wellies

9. Jimmy Choo’s Hunter Rain Boots

10. Aigle’s Equibelle Rain Boots

11. Sorel’s Tivoli Rain Boots (SMU Boulevard Rain Boots!)

12. Hunter’s Champery Rain Boots

If you like your feet to be extra cozy or you just want to dress up your Hunter rain boots go over to this site and pick out your favorite “Fleece Welly Socks!”

Monogramming is another great way to add some flare to your boots and to let your wellies stand out from the others!

January 25, 2012

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Nothing’s worse than finally overcoming the urge to sit on the couch and watch Gossip Girl reruns, only to arrive at an over-packed gym without a single free machine in sight. With Spring Break right around the corner, the Rec is bound to be packed for the next two months—straight.

But we’re not about to let you give up that easily—no, no.  We’d like you to meet Smart Barre, a total body workout that’s a fusion of ballet, Pilates and yoga specifically designed for those hard-to-work “problem areas” (ie: everything that shows in a bikini). No clue how to pronounce “Pilates,” much less what it entails? No worries. Smart Barre has modified workouts for beginners. There are a ton of time slots to choose from, and class size is always small, so be sure to call ahead to reserve yourself a spot.  No tutu required. But then again, if you want to have a Carrie Bradshaw moment, go for it.